20th October, Kuwait: A grand and glamorous opening ceremony held at the Crown Plaza Hotel on Sunday, marked the start of a week-long 25th Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships at the new 48-lane Kuwait Bowling Sporting Club.

The ceremony was graced by His Honorable, Mohamed Nasir Abdulla Al-Jabri, Minister of State for Youth and Sports, Kuwait and His Excellency, Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah, President of World Bowling and Asian Bowling Federation and several high-ranking government officials.

Also present at the opening were Ms Vivien Lau, BBS, JP, Secretary General of World Bowling, Mr Kevin Dornberger, CEO of World Bowling, Mr Choi Jang-Kyu, Vice President (Far East Region) of Asian Bowling Federation, Ms Suwalai Satrulee, Vice President (South East Region) of Asian Bowling Federation.

Amongst the other dignitaries were Mr Michael Seymour, World Bowling Executive Board member (Pacific Region), Mr Farouk Haridi, World Bowling Executive Board member (African Region) and Asian Bowling Executive Committee members.

The march past of each participating country was represented by a flag bearer on stage behind a large electronic backdrop displaying their nation's flag, introduced by the emcees ending with the host nation, Kuwait.

The emcees then invited His Excellency, Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah, Organizing Chairman and President of World Bowling and Asian Bowling Federation to deliver his welcoming speech. Immediately after his speech, various performers including traditional dancers and foreign and local singers entertained all present.

At the end of the performances, the guest of honour made his departure followed by souvenirs being presented by several participating countries to His Excellency, Sheikh Talal. All present were then invited to a welcoming buffet dinner.

Earlier in the day, a team managers meeting was held at the bowling center chaired by Dr Danny Santos, Tournament Director of the championships along with Mr John Janawicz, Techincal Delegate and Mr Salem Akaradah, Host Tournament Director.

The meeting discussed all techincal matters relating to the championships which included the schedule, the two sessions of official practice, which will be held on October 21, lane draw for all the events and details of ball registrations and the two oiling patterns used.

A total of 153 men and 72 women from 27 countries have been registered for the championships. Competition will kick off with the Singles on October 22 for the Women and the Men's first squad while the Men's second squad will be held on October 23 followed by the Women's Doubles on the same day.

The Men's Doubles over two squads will be staged on October 24. Competition will resume with the Trios event for both the Men's and Women's division divided into two squads to be contested over two blocks of three games each on October 25 and 26.

The Team of 5 for both the Men's and Women's division will also be contested over two blocks of three games each on October 27 and 28. The top 16 men and top 16 women based on their respective All Events standings (24 games) will qualify for the Round-Robin Matchplay Masters finals.